Photo Credit: karimian via Flickr]]>Fri, 01 Feb 2013 16:43:56 -0500http://media.nbcwashington.com/images/213*120/98109834.jpgRight now the flu, colds, stomach bugs and the norovirus are all around us. So we did an unscientific experiment to show you just how quick these germs spread. Warning: it may make you want to stock up on hand sanitizer.

Photo Credit: Getty Images/Flickr RF]]>Wed, 17 Oct 2012 12:03:09 -0500http://media.nbcwashington.com/images/213*120/125767560.jpgThe controversial vaccine was found to have minor side effects, but no major risks. The treatment is recommended to children as early as 8-years-old for both boys and girls to prevent cancers before becoming sexually active.

Photo Credit: Getty Images]]>Thu, 11 Oct 2012 10:06:07 -0500http://media.nbcwashington.com/images/160*120/sj+farmers+market+-+cabbage+pinnacle+1b+aspect006.jpgCelebrity chef Christine Avanti shares eight foods that help prevent cancer.]]>Wed, 10 Oct 2012 14:16:44 -0500http://media.nbcwashington.com/images/213*120/too+fat+to+donate.jpgIt's an amazing gift to share one of your kidneys. But what if you made the difficult decision to do that and were turned down because of your weight?]]>Wed, 10 Oct 2012 10:03:07 -0500http://media.nbcwashington.com/images/212*120/hivtest.jpgA new over-the-counter test kit is available for consumers, able to yield results in less than half an hour, but at the cost of roughly $40. While some experts welcome the procedure, some argue that the results do not reflect an accurate picture of one's infection status to the virus.]]>Wed, 10 Oct 2012 09:46:24 -0500http://media.nbcwashington.com/images/212*120/pic27.jpgDr. Jorge Castillo, a doctor at The Miriam Hospital in Providence, Rhodes Island examines the link between diabetes and blood cancers in his extensive research based on 17,000 cases. About 150,000 people are diagnosed with leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma and leukemia each year. Taking steps to prevent type 2 diabetes could translate into 7,000 fewer blood cancer cases.]]>Fri, 05 Oct 2012 11:43:38 -0500http://media.nbcwashington.com/images/213*120/stevehayes92012.jpgFitness trainer Steve Hayes shares tips on quick at-home exercises.]]>Fri, 05 Oct 2012 11:44:09 -0500http://media.nbcwashington.com/images/213*120/11amstevehayesdog.jpgFitness instructor Steve Hayes says that studies show working out with your dog could release extra stress.]]>Fri, 05 Oct 2012 11:44:46 -0500http://media.nbcwashington.com/images/213*120/starbucksdiet_722x406_41194660.jpgAn Alexandria woman lost 85 pounds by eating three meals a day at Starbucks. Could this diet work for you?]]>Fri, 12 Oct 2012 16:30:30 -0500http://media.nbcwashington.com/images/213*120/14356157_5313663001_1LNY-2009-Woodlock-FINAL_722x406_1550403940.jpgHead to a fitness retreat.]]>Thu, 04 Oct 2012 19:04:48 -0500http://media.nbcwashington.com/images/213*120/baldbravebeautiful.jpgMiami Children's Hospital's "Bald, Brave, Beautiful" project helps children like Alberto Hernandez, battling bone cancer, to empower themselves through the noticeable side effect of hair loss in cancer treatment.]]>Thu, 04 Oct 2012 18:57:09 -0500http://media.nbcwashington.com/images/213*120/bare.jpgMilitary wives are taking a bold, bare approach to raise awareness about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). "Battle Bare," a photo campaign on Facebook looks to become a fully pledged nonprofit organization.]]>Thu, 04 Oct 2012 18:51:07 -0500http://media.nbcwashington.com/images/213*120/breast_surgery.jpgA new procedure involving liposuction and extracting stem cells in fat from a patient's own body is being used to rebuild breasts. Colleen DeVito chose this approach, which is considered experimental and not FDA approved.
Researchers are still studying fat stem cells to potentially treat burns, radiation injuries and inflammatory bowel disease. The procedure is not meant for obese or very thin patients and costs about $14,000.

Photo Credit: Getty Images]]>Fri, 05 Oct 2012 07:57:23 -0500http://media.nbcwashington.com/images/213*120/ReWalk-2011-P1.jpgArgo Technologies, an Israeli firm opening its headquarters in Boston, Massachusetts, introduces a new technology that allows paraplegics to stand and walk on their own. Theresa Hannigan, who was stricken by an autoimmune disease and lost the use of her legs is one of dozens around the world using this Exoskeleton. Launched in Europe in September, the walking aid will soon be available in the U.S.]]>Thu, 04 Oct 2012 18:43:37 -0500http://media.nbcwashington.com/images/213*120/hand3.jpgA hand surgeon and a foot-ankle specialist teamed up to rebuild a man's hand that was injured due to a terrible industrial accident. The two doctors rebuilt the hand using the patient's bones, nerves and other tissues from his own body. The intricate surgery recreated the structure within the hand and involved a foot-to-hand graft. The Louisiana resident is now in physical rehab and slowly regaining feeling in his hand.

Photo Credit: NBCWashington.com]]>Fri, 05 Oct 2012 10:17:01 -0500http://media.nbcwashington.com/images/213*120/8211126_N5PPKGPREVENTINGMISCA_722x406_2176451664__061444.jpgDr. Bruce Hensel looks at a new study.]]>Fri, 05 Oct 2012 10:16:37 -0500http://media.nbcwashington.com/images/213*120/8221194_N5PPKGTANNINGBEDSok_722x406_2176832096__252475.jpgDr. Bruce Hensel reports on a new study shows that young people who use tanning beds have 69% increased risk of developing skin cancer.]]>Fri, 05 Oct 2012 10:14:13 -0500http://media.nbcwashington.com/images/180*120/biofeedback.JPGImporving athletic performance can be a state of mind.]]>Fri, 05 Oct 2012 10:16:08 -0500http://media.nbcwashington.com/images/213*120/11090879_N5PACNE_722x406_1070147597.jpgMore than a quarter of clinical acne patients are women aged 25 to 60. And a newly-found virus that lives on the skin may prevent some from getting pimples. Dr. Bruce Hensel reports for the NBC4 News at 5 p.m. on Sept. 25, 2012.]]>